Phone storage running low? Here are 5 ways to transfer photos from iPhone to computer with USB - fast, full quality, no Wi‑Fi needed. Start with the easiest method. Keep reading.
You've just taken a bunch of photos on your iPhone, and now your phone is running out of space. Or maybe you want to edit them on a bigger screen, or simply keep a backup on your computer.
Whatever the reason, transferring photos from iPhone to computer with a USB cable is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to get the job done.
The good news? You don't need a special cable - the same Lightning‑to‑USB cable you use for charging works perfectly.
This guide covers 5 proven methods for both Windows and Mac users. We'll start with the fastest and most flexible option, then walk you through the built‑in alternatives.
| OS | Your Situation | Best Method | 👍 Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Lots of photos, want them fast with full quality | Method 1: AOMEI FoneBackup | Bulk transfer - fast, full quality, no Wi‑Fi, selective |
| A few photos, no software installation | Method 2: File Explorer | Quick drag‑and‑drop, no extra tools needed | |
| Prefer built‑in app | Method 3: Windows Photos App | Built‑in import, easy to use | |
| Want a full device backup, not just photos | Method 4: iTunes | Full backup, but you can't pick individual files | |
| Mac | Mac user | Method 5: Mac's Photos App | Native Mac solution - simple and seamless |
📌Best for: Bulk photo transfers - fast, full quality, no file limits, and selective selection. Free for 30 files/day; Pro for unlimited transfers.
AOMEI FoneBackup is a professional iPhone data transfer tool developed by a team with over 15 years of experience. It's the fastest way to transfer photos from iPhone to PC with a USB cable and the most flexible one too.
How to transfer photos with AOMEI FoneBackup:
Step 1. Download, install, and launch FoneBackup on your Windows PC. Connect your iPhone using a USB cable.
Step 2. On the home screen, select Phone Transfer > iPhone to PC and click Get Started
Step 3. Click the + icon to preview and select the photos you want to transfer. Then, click OK.
Step 4. Click Transfer Settings to choose where to save. Adjust other settings as needed and click Save.
Step 5. Back to the main screen, click Start Transfer to transfer photos from iPhone to computer with USB.
📌 Best for: Quick transfers of a few photos - completely free, no software installation, no daily limits.
If you prefer not to install third‑party software, Windows File Explorer (or File Explorer) gives you direct access to your iPhone's photo folder.
How to transfer photos with File Explorer:
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your Windows PC with a USB cable. Unlock your iPhone and tap Trust when prompted.
Step 2. Open File Explorer (or This PC), locate your iPhone, and double‑click it to open Internal Storage and the DCIM folder.
Step 3. Preview your photos and copy the ones you want to your computer.
✅ Pros: Free, no software installation, unlimited transfers. ✅ Cons: HEIC files won't open on Windows without additional setup; file selection is less flexible; folder structure can be confusing.
📌Best for: Windows users who prefer using the built‑in Photos app - no extra software needed.
For Windows 8 and later users, the Photos app offers a built‑in import tool that can transfer photos from your iPhone to your computer.
How to transfer photos with the Windows Photos App:
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your PC with a USB cable. Unlock your iPhone.
Step 2. Click the Start button and open the Photos app.
Step 3. Select Import > From a USB device and follow the on‑screen instructions.
Step 4. Choose the photos you want to import and select where to save them.
✅ Pros: Built‑in, no installation required. ❌ Cons: Transfer speed can be slow; limited format support; less flexible than FoneBackup.
📌Best for: Users who want a full device backup, not just photos.
iTunes is another option for transferring photos from iPhone to computer, especially for users on macOS Mojave and earlier or Windows.
How to transfer photos with iTunes:
Step 1. Launch iTunes and connect your iPhone via USB. Tap Trust if prompted.
Step 2. Click the Device icon, then select Info from the left menu.
Step 3. Check the box Sync Contacts with and select either Windows Contacts or Outlook. Then, click Sync to back up iPhone contacts.
✅ Pros: Free, built‑in. ❌ Cons: Cannot selectively transfer individual photos; complex interface; slow; risk of overwriting existing data.
📌Best for: Mac users who want a simple, native solution.
If you're using a Mac, the Photos app offers a seamless way to import photos and videos from your iPhone - no third‑party software needed.
How to transfer photos with the Mac Photos App:
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac with a USB cable. Launch the Photos app.
Step 2. You'll see an Import screen with all photos and videos on your device. If it doesn't appear automatically, click your device's name in the sidebar.
Step 3. If prompted, unlock your iPhone and tap Trust on your device.
Step 4. Choose where to save your photos under Import to. Select the photos you want and click Import All.
✅ Pros: Native Mac solution, simple interface. ❌Cons: Requires disabled iCloud Photos for USB import to work; limited to Mac users.
1. How to transfer photos from iPhone to computer without USB?
If you prefer a wireless method, you can use iCloud or Bluetooth. iCloud offers 5GB of free storage and syncs your photos automatically.
2. Can I transfer iPhone photos directly to a USB drive?
Yes! You can transfer photos from iPhone to a memory stick using a Lightning‑to‑USB adapter - no computer required.
3. Why can't I transfer photos from iPhone to PC?
If you're unable to import photos, it could be because there are no photos to import, the DCIM folder is empty, or something went wrong during the connection. Try reconnecting or using AOMEI FoneBackup as a free alternative.
If you're not sure how to transfer photos from iPhone to computer with USB, this guide covers 5 reliable methods for both Windows and Mac and shows you why Method 1 is the fastest and most flexible option.
Here's the simple rule:
Start with Method 1 (AOMEI FoneBackup) if you want the fastest, most flexible transfer with selective selection - no Wi‑Fi, no quality loss.
Use Method 2 (File Explorer) if you only have a few photos and don't want to install any software.
Use Method 3 (Windows Photos App) if you prefer a built‑in Windows solution.
Use Method 4 (iTunes) only if you need a full device backup, not just photos.
Use Method 5 (Mac Photos App) if you're a Mac user.
The bottom line: Transferring photos from iPhone to computer with a USB cable is fast, reliable, and doesn't require Wi‑Fi. With the right method, especially Method 1, you can move your photos in minutes, keep the quality intact, and free up valuable space on your iPhone.